- Mark Whitehead - European Leaders in Procurement

Talent lies within

Creating an inspirational work culture and developing leaders is the way to win the “war for talent” in procurement, according to the authors of a survey. Mark Whitehead outlines the report’s recommendations and key findings.

15:56, 31 Jan, 2008

What does the future hold? It’s up to you!

This year could well prove to be pivotal for procurement, both within Europe and on the world stage. We asked several procurement experts for their assessment of what they think 2008 will bring. Compiled by Mark Whitehead.

15:36, 31 Jan, 2008

Recruitment Race

The rise of procurement means companies face growing competition to find people for the top roles. At the latest ELP roundtable, senior procurement professionals gathered to discuss the issues. Compiled by Mark Whitehead.

15:02, 31 Jan, 2008

Is Eastern Europe the new China?

Countries in the former Soviet bloc are fast gaining ground as sourcing destinations for procurement professionals in Western Europe, according to many commentators. By Mark Whitehead.

14:47, 31 Jan, 2008

Jean-Francois Baril - The inside outsider

His career has taken him from his native France to the UK, the US and Africa. Now based in Finland with Nokia, Jean-François Baril talks to Mark Whitehead about supplier relationships and his four components for success.

12:18, 31 Jan, 2008

Dirk Karl - Man on the move

With a career spanning Europe and the Americas, Dirk Karl understands the need to be flexible. Mark Whitehead sought his views on the big issues facing procurement today.

12:09, 24 Oct, 2007

A Risky Business

The effective management of risks caused by everything from fluctuating raw material prices to loss of intellectual property is a must for CPOs as their function becomes more strategic, according to a new report. Mark Whitehead looks at the findings.

16:09, 13 Jul, 2007

Meryl Bushell - The Career Communicator

She is responsible for a huge global procurement budget in a highly technical and fast-changing industry but, more than anything else, Meryl Bushell is a people person. Mark Whitehead discovers the secrets of her success.

09:50, 13 Jul, 2007

Successful teams focus on innovation over cost

Procurement leaders should be responsible for “a great deal more than just cost-cutting”, according to a new study. Exclusive by Mark Whitehead.

16:38, 01 May, 2007

Dr Hugo Eckseler - The procurement scientist

He has a background in science and an expert understanding of every stage in the supply chain. Mark Whitehead spoke to Dr Hugo Eckseler, CPO at Deutsche Post World Net, about his achievements at the world’s biggest logistics company.

15:50, 30 Apr, 2007

Buying into the green option

The environment is a major concern – and procurement professionals have a key role to play in helping avert disaster, says Mark Whitehead

09:36, 31 Jan, 2007

Giles Breault - The new European

Giles Breault is a genial New Yorker who feels completely at home in Switzerland. Mark Whitehead travelled to Basel to talk about the challenges he faces at Novartis.

15:50, 26 Jan, 2007

Christina De Luca - The unlikely oil executive

Christina De Luca occupies a leading position in one of the world’s biggest companies and has plenty to say about the future of her industry. Mark Whitehead listened to her views on leadership, green issues and the future of procurement.

12:00, 19 Oct, 2006

Procurement Survey: The great leap forward

There has been much talk of procurement becoming more “strategic”. But what does this mean in practice? Mark Whitehead examines the results of a survey which throws light on the changes taking place

10:00, 19 Oct, 2006

Talent: The Skills Gap

People with advanced procurement skills are in short supply throughout Europe. Mark Whitehead examines the challenge facing business and asks what can be done.

09:00, 19 Oct, 2006

Javier Castrillo - Consulting for Success

He is a “non-traditional” CPO – for most of his career he has been a management consultant, before recently taking up a global role at one of the world’s biggest banks. Mark Whitehead went to Madrid to meet Javier Castrillo.

00:00, 14 Aug, 2006

Hans Heith - Forging Global Connections

The role of procurement within Deutsche Telekom has successfully undergone some dramatic changes during the first few years of the 21st century as it adapts to a new worldwide business environment.

15:16, 04 May, 2006

Can teach an old dog...

Expensive air tickets, unauthorised orders – maverick spending is the bane of the procurement director’s life. But just how do you make sure staff follow the correct procedures? Mark Whitehead investigates..

22:28, 01 Feb, 2006

Carlo Aversa - A Valuable Commodity

He is leading a global procurement shake-up at a major multinational, helped by a technical background. Mark Whitehead spoke to Alcan Packaging’s head of procurement Carlo Aversa.

21:50, 01 Feb, 2006

On-demand is the real deal now

The world’s largest spend management company has undergone a radical shift in its approach. Mark Whitehead asked Ariba CEO Bob Calderoni to explain the thinking behind the changes..

21:43, 01 Feb, 2006

Deutsche Banks P2P Outsource

One of the world’s leading banks went for a radical approach when it decided to outsource its procurement. Mark Whitehead spoke to its head of global sourcing operations, Dr Bernadette Margel.

22:47, 01 Aug, 2005